Family Caregivers Struggle in Many Areas

Evidence of the stresses of family caregiving just keeps mounting. A new study suggests that family and unpaid caregivers who provide substantial help with health care were more likely to miss out on valued activities, have a loss of work productivity and experience emotional, physical and financial difficulties, according to an article published online by
JAMA Internal Medicine.

The study included 1,739 family and unpaid caregivers of 1,171 older adults. The caregivers provided substantial, some or no help with health care, which was defined as coordinating care and managing medications.

Caregivers who provided substantial help with health care were more likely to:

Live with older adults

Experience emotional, physical and financial difficulty

Participate less in valued activities, such as visiting friends and family, going out for fun, attending religious services, and participating in club or group activities

Report loss of work productivity

Utilize supportive services, although only about one-quarter utilized such services

If you do need help, would other family members or friends be willing to assist you, at least part of the time? Could organizations within your community help? Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to get a feel for what is available in your vicinity.

To learn more about how to combat the stresses of family caregiving, check out the resources at
CaregiverStress.com. Why not contact your local Home Instead Senior Care® office? A
Home Instead CAREGiverSM could provide a variety of services including respite care for you and companionship, light housekeeping, medication reminders and meal preparation for your loved one. Call today to learn more.